The Gaza Strip has been plagued with violence in recent days, with more than 20 people reported dead and dozens injured in a grenade attack near the office of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Friday afternoon. The ICRC stated that heavy-caliber shells hit the immediate vicinity of their office and residential buildings, resulting in a significant number of victims being brought to the nearby Red Cross field hospital. There were also reports of additional victims.
The organization expressed concern over attacks occurring in dangerous proximity to humanitarian facilities, which put the lives of civilians and Red Cross workers at risk. They emphasized that the locations are clearly marked with the Red Cross emblem and are known to both conflicting parties. The ICRC has previously faced criticism for its operations in Gaza due to security incidents such as stray bullets hitting their sites.
Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern about the escalating conflict between Israel and the pro-Iranian Hezbollah militia in Lebanon. He highlighted the need for a mechanism to ensure law and order for the distribution of humanitarian aid in Gaza, where there has been chaos and lawlessness leading to difficulties in delivering aid supplies. Guterres called for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and emphasized the importance of implementing Security Council Resolution 1701 to maintain peace in the region.
In response to this incident, Hamas-controlled health ministry in Gaza reported 25 deaths and 50 injuries. The Israeli army denied carrying out an attack in the humanitarian zone in Al-Mawasi area but stated that they were investigating further into it.
The field hospital near Rafah was opened mid-May to provide emergency treatment to up to 200 people every day, making it an important resource for those displaced by conflict.
Overall, this incident highlights
